"I think every one has," said John, looking round on his apple-cheeked
boys; it must have been a sharp eye that detected any decrease of
health, or increase of suffering, there. "But my plan will set all to
rights. I spoke to Mrs. Tod yesterday. She will be ready to take us
all in. Boys, shall you like going to Enderley? You shall go as soon
as ever the larch-wood is green."

For, at Longfield, already we began to make a natural almanack and
chronological table. "When the may was out"--"When Guy found the first
robin's nest"--"When the field was all cowslips"--and so on.

"Is it absolutely necessary we should go?" said the mother, who had a
strong home-clinging, and already began to hold tiny Longfield as the
apple of her eye.

"I think so, unless you will consent to let me go alone to Enderley."

She shook her head.

"What, with those troubles at the mills? How can you speak so lightly?"

"Not lightly, love--only cheerfully. The troubles must be borne; why
not bear them with as good heart as possible? They cannot last--let
Lord Luxmore do what he will. If, as I told you, we re-let Longfield
for this one summer to Sir Ralph, we shall save enough to put the mill
in thorough repair. If my landlord will not do it, I will; and add a
steam-engine, too."

Now the last was a daring scheme, discussed many a winter night by us
three in Longfield parlour. At first, Mrs. Halifax had looked
grave--most women would, especially wives and mothers, in those days
when every innovation was regarded with horror, and improvement and
ruin were held synonymous. She might have thought so too, had she not
believed in her husband. But now, at mention of the steam-engine, she
looked up and smiled.

"Lady Oldtower asked me about it to-day. She said, 'she hoped you
would not ruin yourself, like Mr. Miller of Glasgow!' I said I was not
afraid."

Her husband returned a bright look. "It is easier to make the world
trust one, when one is trusted by one's own household."

"Ah! never fear; you will make your fortune yet, in spite of Lord
Luxmore."

For, all winter, John had found out how many cares come with an
attained wish. Chiefly, because, as the earl had said, his lordship
possessed an "excellent memory." The Kingswell election had worked its
results in a hundred small ways, wherein the heavy hand of the landlord
could be laid upon the tenant. He bore up bravely against it; but hard
was the struggle between might a